Sometimes when unwanted rodent guests enter our homes it can be difficult to recognize the signs that they are even there. With the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life, worrying about whether or not rodents have invaded your home is not always the first thing on your mind. However, if the signs go unnoticed for long enough, one or two rodents in your home might turn into a full-blown infestation.
There are several pests we classify as rodents, including squirrels, rats, and mice, to name a few. At different points of the year, we may see these rodents become more of a problem, but once they have gained entry to your home it is likely that they could stay under your radar for quite some time if you are not actively searching for the signs that they are living there. Squirrels, mice, and rats are all very capable of staying hidden due to their tendency to inhabit mainly attic spaces, wall voids, and other vacant areas of your home. Over time, these rodents will multiply, and it is at this point where most homeowners realize they may have a problem. For this reason, it is important to understand how to identify signs of a rodent infestation, and when it is time to contact a professional.
When scanning the interior and exterior of your home for warning signs of a wildlife infestation, it is important to note that there are a few discrepancies between the most common types of rodents that typically invade homes. There are, however, a few signs that remain consistent across the board.
- Scurrying, bumping, and general sounds of movement in your walls or ceiling can indicate rodents residing within your home.
- Rodents of all sizes will leave droppings in the areas they commonly frequent, so if you are noticing a foul smell or small droppings in your attic, cabinets, and drawers, you can be certain that rodents have been there.
- Food packages often have holes or tears in them when rodents have invaded your home. Rice, pet food, grains, and cereal are common targets for pests looking for a meal.
- Fleas and ticks may become more common in your yard and within your home even if you don’t have pets. Rats, mice, and squirrels often bring other parasitic pests into your home, along with bacteria and viral diseases.
- Rodents chew – a lot. Gnawing marks on furniture, floorboards, piping, and wooden structural components of your home are all common signs of a rodent infestation.
While knowing what to look for is a good start, it is also helpful to know where to look for these signs. Gaps in your foundation, attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, unused closets, and basements are all good places to search for warning signs of an infestation.
When you begin finding signs of a rodent infestation, it is always wise to contact a pest control expert to deal with your wildlife invasion for you. Spencer Pest Services has a team of highly-trained rodent and wildlife control specialists who will conduct detailed inspections to pinpoint where pests are gaining entry.
Here at Spencer Pest Services, we understand that quality pest control is more than just removing your pest problem. When it comes to rodent and wildlife control in Anderson, we will also keep homes safe from damage and families safe from the harmful bacteria and parasites that wildlife can bring into the home. Give us a call to schedule your free inspection, or for more information on our residential pest control options.
